I think this may solve the issue of handling Challenges. I need to be able to separate out different challenges I run for the same topic.

Having ability to have paid private channels would be great too!!

while implementing that, isn't it the same tech as to have DM available for community members?

A community works if people can communicate with each others.

Right now I have to share clients email adress so they can talk to each other 1-1. I would (and they would) be super grateful if there was the possibility for them to just send a DM to any community member.

Kajabi does it.

I'm a member of a community there and you can click on 'people' then 'send a message' then theré s alittle DM box like on facebook or whatnot.

thanks in advance!